Arouna: Sorry Wigan I’m Kone

Wigan Athletic striker Arouna Kone has admitted he wants to leave the club in search of Premier League Football next season.

The front man bagged 13 goals in a season that saw Wigan win the FA Cup and get relegated following his £3.5 million move from Spanish club Levante. The Latics can, however, take solace in the fact that they should double or even treble their money should they decide to sell the Ivory Coast international.

Newly promoted Crystal Palace are said to hold an interest in Kone, along with Everton and Liverpool and the 29-year-old would welcome a move to any of these teams.

A move to Everton would see him reunite with Roberto Martinez after the Spaniard took over at Goodison Park a few weeks ago, so for me this seems like a likely move, but with talks of Luis Suarez leaving Liverpool and Palace looking to bring in Premier League experience none look completely ridiculous.

Kone hinted that he won’t force a move but hoped Wigan would accept any reasonable offers that would help him fulfill his desire to continue playing in the English top flight.

“Wigan have gone down, which is a real shame. It’s up to them to set out their stance about my situation. I aim to play for one of the best clubs in England, and I hope I will get the chance,” he said.

“I’ve had plenty of approaches, but I can’t reveal the names of the clubs, but Crystal Palace have gone up, and from the moment a club is in the Premier League that is good for me,” Kone added.

“I’m under contract with Wigan for two more years. But if there is an offer that is good for both me and Wigan I will seek to leave.”